Rants and musings about things political, philosophical, and religious.

Viva Las Vegas

I’m in Vegas for the next couple days for an industry conference. While I’m excited for the things I’ll be learning about at the conference, I think it’s safe to say that there’s no place I’d rather not be.

Upon checking in at the hotel, I walked around the strip for a little while. That lasted for about thirty minutes, when I had finally had it and went back to the hotel. I haven’t felt that sick to my stomach in a long time.

You can’t look anywhere without seeing mostly naked women. Taxi advertisements, trucks driving around trailers with a full size photo of an “escort”, street-side video billboards, and nudity-laden advertisements strewn about all over the sidewalks. Then there are the people who walk around handing the filth out to others, pushing the business cards and brochures into people’s faces, hoping for new clients.

I wondered what type of environments these “escorts” (and all women who are involved in pornography) grew up in. I wonder what their family situations were like. I wonder what has led them to such a degrading lifestyle. I wonder what their parents think of such a course of action. I wonder what these women think of themselves. I wonder if any of them even care about such things.

I feel like Vegas is somewhat like Ammonihah, only saved from destruction because of the righteous who live there. After all, Vegas has a temple… What would happen if there was a mass exodus of anybody living a clean, moral life?

One of the things I despise about the Vegas culture is its heavily marketed phrase: “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas”. This statement encourages myriad types of lasciviousness while attempting to evade accountability for anything the person does while visiting here.

I hate to break it to these partiers, but we will be held accountable for everything we do (or don’t do). You may be able to cover up your sins for now, but God is watching and the angels are recording what you do, what you say, and all else you think you can hide. What’s worse for such people is that their sinful behavior will be made known to the public:

And the rebellious shall be pierced with much sorrow; for their iniquities shall be spoken upon the housetops, and their secret acts shall be revealed. (D&C 1:3)

3 Responses to “Viva Las Vegas”

RKM had a post that linked to one titled “…my new favorite celestial room.” Maybe you should go to the temple. Somehow, I have a feeling that will help–whether it’s Jeff Lindsay’s favorite or not. Zion in the midst of Babylon, y’know.

Connor, I suspect you’ll find time to go to the temple while you’re there–let us know how you liked it. I too loved the Celestial Room in the LV Temple. We lived there for about 6 months. Most members avoid the strip and Las Vegas is a totally different experience for LDS members. Wards have plenty of great activities, sports programs are wonderful, etc. All in all our experience there was positive. But I agree with your impressions of the strip. Bleccck.

About the Author

Connor Boyack is president of Libertas Institute, a public policy think tank in Utah. He is the author of several books along with hundreds of columns and articles championing individual liberty. Connor's work has been publicly praised by national figures such as Ron Paul, Judge Andrew Napolitano, Tom Woods, and many others.

A child’s curiosity and natural desire to learn are like a tiny flame, easily extinguished unless it’s protected and given fuel. This book will help you as a parent both protect that flame of curiosity and supply it with the fuel necessary to make it burn bright throughout your child’s life. Let’s ignite our children’s natural love of learning!

What do history's most notorious despots have in common with many of the flag-waving, patriotic politicians of our day? Both groups rise to power through the exploitation of fear, which has become a societal plague. There have been widespread casualties. We need an antidote. Feardom offers its readers a much-needed immunization.

History abounds with examples of government officials making decisions, well-intentioned or otherwise, that harm others. Unfortunately, these unintended consequences are never anticipated, and rarely considered once they occur. As the Tuttle Twins find in their latest adventure, central planning can ruin people’s lives.

The oldest economic battle in history repeats itself in the fourth Tuttle Twins book. Ethan and Emily witness this battle firsthand as they help their food truck friends win public support to overturn the protectionist laws that shut them down.

The third installment in the Tuttle Twins series finds Ethan and Emily confronting a scary creature that somehow controls money and markets. Your children will learn about money, inflation, banking, and other important monetary concepts in an exciting story, beautifully illustrated.

In their second adventure, Ethan and Emily Tuttle go on a field trip to a fun factory where they learn how something as simple as a pencil is in fact a miracle—and one that nobody knows how to make! Your children will learn about the free market, why division of labor makes our lives better, and how spontaneous order is the key to human progress and happiness!

Help your children learn about the proper role of government with this engaging book full of detailed, colorful illustrations! Ethan and Emily Tuttle learn from their wise neighbor Fred about the law, what our rights are and why we have them, and how we should voluntarily help those in need!

A fundamental aspect of the good news of the gospel is the message of liberty. As President Joseph F. Smith said, “The Kingdom of God is a Kingdom of freedom; the gospel of the Son of God is the gospel of liberty.” Men of God, both ancient and modern, have spoken on this issue repeatedly. This book analyzes what liberty is and how it applies to government.

Liberty is a fundamental and eternal principle, but it cannot exist without its counterpart—personal responsibility. From self-defense and self-reliance, to faith, family, and financial freedom, this book pinpoints precise actions needed from each of us if liberty is to successfully be preserved.

This book is a compilation of essays written over the years, organized topically. At 610 pages, it's great for reference material if you're debating something with a friend and want to look up some arguments that you can use to support your pro-liberty positions.

Reviews

"An amazing book"—Ron Paul on Latter-day Liberty

"Clear, compelling, full of faith"—Judge Andrew Napolitano on Latter-day Responsibility

"Sophisticated and compelling"—Tom Woods on Feardom

Significant discounts available for bulk orders of 20 or more. Contact me for information.